May 7, 2014

China trade expert visits UOW

A NSW Government trade and investment specialist from China is visiting the Illawarra this week, including UOW’s main campus and Innovation Campus, to explore opportunities for education and research links between NSW and China.

The visit by NSW Trade & Investment Commissioner (South China and Hong Kong), Ms Cher Jones, from Guangzhou in China, will help to further build ties between Guangzhou and Illawarra education and research providers.

She met staff at iC Central, the Australian Institute of Innovative Materials and the Sustainable Building Research Centre to discuss education and research collaboration opportunities between NSW and China.

She also visited the University’s SMART Infrastructure Facility on the main campus to meet staff and discuss how their research capabilities might be applied to building and development projects in China.

Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka said the Illawarra was a leading regional provider of education and research services with well-established international ties.

“Education and research was identified as a priority sector in the NSW International Engagement Strategy and the NSW Government is committed to supporting and strengthening it,” Mr Ajaka said.

Ms Jones said she wanted to learn more about the University of Wollongong’s strengths and sharing her knowledge on the many opportunities in China.

“China is continuing to grow strongly and has a keen interest in sustainable development and alternative solutions.

“I’m confident there are many avenues for the University of Wollongong to enhance its relationships with China, through research and student exchanges,” she said.

Ms Jones is one of five NSW Trade & Investment Commissioners visiting NSW this week to meet business and industry representatives across the State to discuss the latest international business opportunities.

NSW has a network of international offices in the key markets of China, Japan, USA, India and the United Arab Emirates as part of the Government’s economic and cultural growth efforts.

The Commissioners and their staff together have helped to generate $2.1 billion in direct foreign investment, $683 million in exports and about 2,300 jobs for NSW since the offices were established.